Cecelia Griffiths

B.C. Resource Teacher

<a href="http://bcspecialed.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow">Cecelia Griffiths</a> is a resource teacher in a public secondary school in Chilliwack, B.C. She holds a masters' degree in special education, and is qualified to teach students who are blind and/or deaf. She currently works with students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, as well as case managing students with significant disabilities or health challenges. <br> <br> She is committed to working for a fully funded, accessible and effective public education system. <br> <br> Cecelia is a married mother of three, and grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren. "Our whole family has been, is or will be in the public education system," she says.

Things are worse. They are so much worse. I cannot express how bad things are getting. It's because I love the work so much, that I have to leave. I've spent the last two years thinking about going. I've felt increasingly sorrowful that I simply cannot do all that these kids need and deserve me to do.

Well, here we are, with a deal to vote on. We're climbing up out of the trenches, dusting ourselves off, holding our noses against the stench of manipulation, and voting. We'll vote yes, but it won't be an overwhelming yes.

B.C. Education Minister Peter Fassbender has decided that because about 10 per cent of all B.C. students were identified as having special needs last year, only 10 per cent of students in B.C. schools have special needs. But in fact, the number is a great deal higher that.

B.C. Education Minister Peter Fassbender has asked the teachers to stop striking now, please. I hate to disappoint you, Mr. Fassbender, but it doesn't matter how nicely you ask. What matters is that you fund public education. Properly.

For the angry ones who rage in class, and the sad ones whose arms bear scars and who cannot eat, but also cannot get a counsellor, #IWillHoldTheLine. For the brilliant children of great promise, whose programs have been eliminated and who mark time helping others while waiting for the challenges they need, #IWillHoldTheLine.